The Bengals punted on a 4th-and-1 on their 29.
It doesn’t matter to NYT 4th Down Bot.

No matter what happens on this play, the Bengals will almost certainly win the game. In situations like these, what happens on this down is basically inconsequential, so there's no real recommendation here. (In fact, I’m taking a break from the game for a spot of Earl Grey.) Here’s the breakdown for the Bengals’ scenario.

Option

Chance of converting

Chance of winning

Before play

After play

Change

Go for it4th and 1, own 29

69%

>99%

>99%

-

Punt

>99%

>99%

-

Field goal tryA really, really long kick

<1%

>99%

>99%

-

What coaches usually do

Punt

97% of the time

Go for it

3% of the time

Field goal try

-

Based on about 1,026 fourth downs in similar situations since 2001.

What happened

Kevin Huber punts for 41 yards to Oak30.

Where did these numbers come from?

To estimate a team’s chances of winning, I use a mathematical model that accounts for a whole lot of variables — including the difference in score, the time remaining in the game, and the number of timeouts each team has left. On top of that, I have models for the likelihood that a team makes a field goal and the likelihood that it will convert a first down.

By combining all of this information, I can come up with the best decision a team can make, according to math.

If you want even more details about the numbers behind my decisions, my full model is available on GitHub. Help make me better!